President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for a rally in Washington, D.C., just one day before his second-term inauguration. The “Make America Great Again Victory Rally” will take place at 3 PM ET (1900 GMT) at the Capital One Arena. This event marks his first major public address in the Capitol since the January 6, 2021, insurrection, which followed his call to action against the election results.
At the rally, Trump’s remarks may offer a preview of the tone he intends to set for his second term. His speech will come alongside an inaugural address on Monday. In the weeks leading up to the rally, Trump has raised eyebrows by making bold claims about territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal and suggesting Canada could become a U.S. state.
The rally is expected to follow the format of Trump’s previous campaign-style events, with speeches from prominent figures including Elon Musk, Vice President-elect JD Vance, UFC CEO Dana White, conservative activists like Charlie Kirk, and TV personalities such as Megyn Kelly. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is also expected to attend, especially with the looming uncertainty surrounding the app’s future in the U.S.
Musical performances are lined up from Kid Rock, The Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Lee Greenwood. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden will visit Charleston, South Carolina, to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking his final official trip before leaving office. Trump will also attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and host a dinner for supporters later in the evening.
The inauguration is set for noon ET (1600 GMT) on Monday, with security provided by approximately 25,000 law enforcement officers. The ceremony has been moved indoors due to cold weather and will take place at the Capitol building’s rotunda.
